Elevate your next dinner gathering with "Scooter's Stuffed Cornish Game Hens," a show-stopping recipe that combines elegance with irresistible flavor. These tender, perfectly roasted hens are seasoned to perfection and filled with a fragrant stuffing made from buttery breadcrumbs, fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, and a splash of white wine. Topped with a golden, crispy skin and finished with a touch of fresh lemon juice, this recipe strikes a perfect balance between savory and zesty. With just 30 minutes of prep and an hour to roast, these individual hens make an impressive yet achievable main course for special occasions or intimate meals. Serve alongside your favorite sides for an unforgettable feast that everyone will savor. Keywords: Cornish game hens, stuffed Cornish hens recipe, elegant dinner ideas, roasted hens, holiday poultry recipes.
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a roasting pan with a rack for the game hens to sit on.
Rinse the Cornish game hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Remove any giblets from inside the cavity.
Season the hens inside and out with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Rub 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the skins to ensure a golden, crispy exterior.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the parsley, thyme, rosemary, and lemon zest. Cook for 2 minutes, then pour in the white wine and cook for an additional 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
Add the breadcrumbs to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetable mixture. Pour in the chicken broth gradually, stirring until the stuffing holds together but is not soggy. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Stuff each Cornish game hen's cavity with a portion of the stuffing. Be careful not to overfill; you may secure the cavity with kitchen twine if necessary.
Place the stuffed hens breast-side up on the roasting pan. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and brush it over the hens.
Roast in the oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown.
Remove the hens from the oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Serve the stuffed hens with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Serving size | (2808.0g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 5434.7 |
Total Fat 314.8g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 93.5g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.4g | |
Cholesterol 1731.6mg | 0% |
Sodium 8495.6mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 114.6g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 12.4g | 0% |
Total Sugars 19.4g | |
Protein 482.4g | 0% |
Vitamin D 209.0IU | 0% |
Calcium 620.7mg | 0% |
Iron 35.5mg | 0% |
Potassium 5707.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories